If you’re a student or recent graduate applying to a graduate program or job, you may need to ask your research supervisor for a letter of recommendation. A letter of recommendation from a research supervisor is a valuable document that can attest to your research skills, work ethic, and character. In this article, we will provide you with tips for writing an effective letter of recommendation from a research supervisor, as well as seven examples that you can use as a starting point.
Tips for Writing a Letter of Recommendation from Research Supervisor
When writing a letter of recommendation from a research supervisor, it’s essential to provide clear and detailed information that highlights the applicant’s strengths and capabilities. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Begin with a Title
Start the letter with a title that clearly indicates its purpose. For example, “Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School Admission” or “Letter of Recommendation for Employment.”
2. Be Detailed and In-Depth
Provide specific examples of the applicant’s research skills, work ethic, ability to work independently, and other relevant qualities. Use concrete examples, such as projects completed, publications, or presentations.
3. Start with a Greeting
Dear Admissions Committee/ Hiring Manager,
It is my pleasure to recommend [applicant’s name] for [graduate school admission/ employment] at [institution/ company name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4. Provide a Detailed Letter Body
I have had the pleasure of working with [applicant’s name] for [length of time]. During this time, [he/she] has demonstrated exceptional research skills, work ethic, and professionalism.
[Applicant’s name] has completed [list of projects or research work] and has consistently demonstrated an ability to work independently, think critically, and solve problems creatively. [He/she] has a keen attention to detail and is committed to producing high-quality work.
Furthermore, [applicant’s name] has excellent interpersonal skills and is able to communicate effectively with colleagues and collaborators. [He/she] is a team player and is always willing to help others when needed. [He/she] is also very organized and able to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
Overall, I highly recommend [applicant’s name] for [graduate school admission/ employment]. [He/she] is an exceptional candidate who would make a valuable addition to any program or organization.
5. End with a Complimentary Close
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
6. Use Examples
Below are seven examples of letters of recommendation from research supervisors that you can use as a starting point. You can edit them as needed for your specific situation.
Examples of Letter of Recommendation from Research Supervisor
1. Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School Admission
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend [applicant’s name] for admission to your graduate program in [field of study]. [Applicant’s name] has been working with me as a research assistant for the past [length of time], and I have been continually impressed with [his/her] dedication, hard work, and research skills.
During [his/her] time working in my lab, [applicant’s name] has contributed to several research projects and has demonstrated a strong ability to work independently, think creatively, and solve problems. [He/she] is an excellent researcher who pays close attention to detail and is committed to producing high-quality work.
Moreover, [applicant’s name] has excellent interpersonal skills and is able to communicate effectively with colleagues and collaborators. [He/she] is a team player and is always willing to help others when needed. [He/she] is also very organized and able to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
Overall, I believe that [applicant’s name] would make an excellent addition to your graduate program. [He/she] has the research skills, work ethic, and character to succeed in a rigorous academic environment. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. Letter of Recommendation for Employment
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [applicant’s name] for [position name] at [company name]. [Applicant’s name] has been working with me as a research assistant for the past [length of time], and I have been continually impressed with [his/her] research skills, work ethic, and professionalism.
During [his/her] time working in my lab, [applicant’s name] has contributed to several research projects, publications, and presentations. [He/she] has demonstrated a strong ability to work independently, think critically, and solve problems creatively. [He/she] has a keen attention to detail and is committed to producing high-quality work.
Moreover, [applicant’s name] has excellent interpersonal skills and is able to communicate effectively with colleagues and collaborators. [He/she] is a team player and is always willing to help others when needed. [He/she] is also very organized and able to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
Overall, I believe that [applicant’s name] would make an excellent addition to your team at [company name]. [He/she] has the research skills, work ethic, and character to succeed in a fast-paced and challenging work environment. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
3. Letter of Recommendation for PhD Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for [applicant’s name] for admission to your PhD program in [field of study]. [Applicant’s name] has been working with me as a research assistant for the past [length of time], and I have been continually impressed with [his/her] research skills, work ethic, and dedication.
During [his/her] time working in my lab, [applicant’s name] has contributed to several research projects, publications, and presentations. [He/she] has demonstrated a strong ability to work independently, think critically, and solve problems creatively. [He/she] has a keen attention to detail and is committed to producing high-quality work.
Moreover, [applicant’s name] has excellent interpersonal skills and is able to communicate effectively with colleagues and collaborators. [He/she] is a team player and is always willing to help others when needed. [He/she] is also very organized and able to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
Overall, I believe that [applicant’s name] has the research skills, work ethic, and character to succeed in a PhD program in [field of study]. [He/she] is a dedicated and passionate researcher who is committed to advancing knowledge in [field of study]. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4. Letter of Recommendation for Postdoctoral Fellowship
Dear Fellowship Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend [applicant’s name] for a postdoctoral fellowship in [field of study]. [Applicant’s name] was a doctoral student in my lab and has been working with me as a postdoctoral researcher for the past [length of time]. [He/she] has made significant contributions to our research projects and has demonstrated excellent research skills, work ethic, and dedication.
[Applicant’s name] has a strong publication record and has presented [his/her] research at several international conferences. [He/she] has demonstrated an ability to work independently, think critically, and solve problems creatively. [He/she] has a keen attention to detail and is committed to producing high-quality work.
Moreover, [applicant’s name] has excellent interpersonal skills and is able to communicate effectively with colleagues and collaborators. [He/she] is a team player and is always willing to help others when needed. [He/she] is also very organized and able to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
Overall, I believe that [applicant’s name] would be an outstanding postdoctoral fellow. [He/she] has the research skills, work ethic, and character to succeed in a challenging and competitive research environment. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
5. Letter of Recommendation for Research Assistantship
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [applicant’s name] for the research assistant position at [company/ institution name]. [Applicant’s name] has been working with me as a research assistant for the past [length of time], and I have been continually impressed with [his/her] research skills, work ethic, and professionalism.
During [his/her] time working in my lab, [applicant’s name] has contributed to several research projects and has demonstrated a strong ability to work independently, think critically, and solve problems creatively. [He/she] has a keen attention to detail and is committed to producing high-quality work.
Moreover, [applicant’s name] has excellent interpersonal skills and is able to communicate effectively with colleagues and collaborators. [He/she] is a team player and is always willing to help others when needed. [He/she] is also very organized and able to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
Overall, I believe that [applicant’s name] has the research skills, work ethic, and character to make an excellent research assistant. [He/she] is dedicated, hard-working, and passionate about research. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
6. Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [applicant’s name] for the [scholarship name] scholarship. [Applicant’s name] has been working with me as a research assistant for the past [length of time], and I have been continually impressed with [his/her] research skills, work ethic, and dedication.
During [his/her] time working in my lab, [applicant’s name] has contributed to several research projects and has demonstrated a strong ability to work independently, think critically, and solve problems creatively. [He/she] has a keen attention to detail and is committed to producing high-quality work.
Moreover, [applicant’s name] has excellent interpersonal skills and is able to communicate effectively with colleagues and collaborators. [He/she] is a team player and is always willing to help others when needed. [He/she] is also very organized and able to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
Overall, I believe that [applicant’s name] has the research skills, work ethic, and character to make an excellent recipient of the [scholarship name] scholarship. [He/she] is passionate about research and has demonstrated a commitment to advancing knowledge in [field of study]. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a letter of recommendation from a research supervisor?
A letter of recommendation from a research supervisor is a document that provides an assessment of a student or recent graduate’s research skills, work ethic, and character. It is typically used for graduate school admission, employment, scholarships, or fellowships.
Q: Who can write a letter of recommendation from a research supervisor?
A letter of recommendation from a research supervisor can be written by a professor, research supervisor, or mentor who has worked closely with the student or recent graduate on research projects.
Q: What should be included in a letter of recommendation from a research supervisor?
A letter of recommendation from a research supervisor should include specific examples of the applicant’s research skills, work ethic, ability to work independently, and other relevant qualities. It should also include a detailed description of the applicant’s research projects or publications, as well as information about the applicant’s character and interpersonal skills.
Q: How long should a letter of recommendation from a research supervisor be?
A letter of recommendation from a research supervisor should be 1-2 pages long, single-spaced. It should be long enough to provide a detailed assessment of the applicant’s research skills, work ethic, and character, but not so long that it becomes repetitive or tedious to read.
Q: How should a letter of recommendation from a research supervisor be formatted?
A letter of recommendation from a research supervisor should be formatted like a standard business letter, with the date, recipient’s name and address, salutation, body paragraphs, complimentary close, and signature. It should be typed and printed on letter-sized paper.
Q: How should a letter of recommendation from a research supervisor be submitted?
A letter of recommendation from a research supervisor should be submitted with the applicant’s graduate school, employment, scholarship, or fellowship application. It can be submitted electronically or in hard copy, depending on the application requirements.
Q: How far in advance should a student or recent graduate ask for a letter of recommendation from a research supervisor?
A student or recent graduate should ask for a letter of recommendation from a research supervisor at least 4-6 weeks before the deadline for submission. This will give the research supervisor enough time to write a thoughtful and detailed letter.
Conclusion
A letter of recommendation from a research supervisor can be a valuable asset for a student or recent graduate applying to graduate school, employment, scholarships, or fellowships. It provides an assessment of the applicant’s research skills, work ethic